How Am I to Handle Trials?

When you go through serious trials of affliction and adversity, how do you handle it? Notice, I said “when,” not “if.” Jesus told us so when he said: “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16.33).

Paul, as well, said that we would have trials.

…no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. (2 Thessalonians 3.3-4)

How do you handle it?

You may think it strange: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;” (1 Peter 4.12).

You may think it unfair: saying in your mind, “God how could you allow me to go through this? I have served you faithfully. Shouldn’t there be blessings and reward to those who follow you?”

You may think God unfaithful: but God is being faithful to bring you through exactly what he said would happen to you – that is; tribulation. And he will bring you through it.

We are to handle trials in humility. We must handle them faithfully, joyfully, trustingly, generously, patiently, prayerfully, bravely, ministering to others during their trials and we’ll be unshaken by the afflictions which are to come upon us.

(Acts 20.19 James 1.2 Acts 14.222 Corinthians 8.2 Romans 5.3 Romans 12.122 Corinthians 1.4 Ephesians 3.13